Andrew Cowan, CEO of London Stansted Airport, has today welcomed the Government’s proposal to make best use of existing runway capacity across the UK to improve global connectivity and provide more choice for passengers.

The proposal is a key part of the Government’s new aviation plans to boost economic growth, connectivity and skills and follows the Airports Commission recommendations in 2015 on the need in the short term to make full use of existing airport capacity in the UK before a third runway at Heathrow is built.

Stansted is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports serving 25 million passengers a year, flying to more than 190 destinations in 40 countries. The airport has an artificial cap that limits the number of passenger it can handle to 35 million a year, even though its existing runway has the ability to serve around 44 million passengers a year.

The airport is currently consulting the local community on plans to raise the planning cap and today’s proposals from Government are a strong endorsement in support of making full and efficient use of Stansted’s single runway.

Stansted Airport CEO, Andrew Cowan, said: ”Stansted is a UK success story and will be critical in supporting economic growth and increasing our global competitiveness. With passenger numbers continuing to rise and aviation capacity at a premium in the South East, today’s proposals by Government to make the most of existing capacity at UK airports, including Stansted, is very welcome.

“By lifting the current planning caps, Stansted will be able to serve around 44 million passengers a year on its existing runway by 2030 and within current environmental limits. This will benefit not only the dynamic and fast growing East of England region, but also London and the UK.

“It will support the creation of 5,000 new on-site jobs and billions of pounds in additional economic activity, ensuring the UK succeeds as an outward-facing trading nation as we leave the EU.

“Unlocking the full potential of Stansted’s single runway will provide long term certainty and clarity for the local community, and confidence for our airlines and customers to invest in the airport. We look forward to developing and shaping these plans to make best use of the airport over the coming months.”

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, said: “While we welcome the publication of the Strategy we would urge the Government to look at what airports like Stansted have to offer.

“Essex’s economy is still growing and we know businesses are looking to trade more overseas, which will be especially important as we leave the EU. Stansted has spare capacity which the Government should be looking to encourage the use of.”

The airport is currently consulting with local residents to gather views to help shape its plans to make best use of existing runway capacity at the airport. More details can be found by visiting www.ourstansted.com.

*Plans being discussed also include town centre bag check-ins, new forms of compensation for noise, and how to deal with disruptive passengers.